2022 May 25

Daily news wrap-up

May/25/2022. Your daily news digest from Armenia.
by ar_david_hh

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14 minutes. 3577 words.

Pashinyan about the Karabakh negotiation history and status:

The last time I attempted to reveal information from the negotiation process, the opposition MP left the building. They don't want the details of their negotiation history to be exposed.

Today there is a lot of talk about the need for the Armenian side to put emphasis on the Nagorno Karabakh independence declaration of 2 Sep 1991, and the referendum of 10 Dec 1991, according to which the Nagorno Karabakh people and the autonomous region declared their independence. Armenia's narrative has always been this: Nagorno Karabakh has never been a part of independent Azerbaijan, and it used a legal framework to organize an independence referendum to exit the Soviet Union and Soviet Azerbaijan.

Now fast forward to 2007 when Armenia accepts Madrid Principles as the basis of conflict resolution. It states that Nagorno Karabakh's status will be decided through a referendum held in the future. That means by accepting this, the Armenian side had delegitimized the referendum of 1991. I spoke about this with ARF Armen Rustamyan in August.

Next. When the Armenian negotiators accepted that the terms of the future referendum would first need to be agreed with Azerbaijan, they essentially cut the branch that we were sitting on. As if it wasn't enough to delegitimize the 1991 referendum, the negotiators had agreed to reach an agreement with Azerbaijan first regarding referendum terms. In other words, by accepting Madrid Principles, the Armenian negotiators, who are now protesting on the streets, essentially gave Azerbaijan a veto power on the Nagorno Karabakh status.

Next. When Armenian negotiators agreed to allow former Nagorno Karabakh residents with Azeri origins to take part in the future referendum, that was also another blow to the legitimacy of the 1991 referendum. It indirectly insinuated that since Azeris didn't participate in the 1991 referendum, that made the referendum illegitimate.

But the worst part is that the Armenian side was the co-author and the initiator of the Madrid Principles. How does one do all this, then publicly claim "Karabakh will never be part of Azerbaijan"? I've said earlier that when they accepted Madrid Principles, they essentially accepted Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. It went against the narrative of "Karabakh has never been part of independent Azerbaijan and why should it be now".

You may recall that when I first became prime minister, they asked me if I accepted Madrid Principles as the basis for negotiations. At the time I said that we needed to clarify certain issues, to understand what Madrid Principles actually were. When I met OSCE co-chairs as a new prime minister, I asked them frankly if it's possible for Nagorno Karabakh NOT to be part of Azerbaijan, and they said "Yes, if Azerbaijan agrees." This confirmed our fears that the Madrid Principles had given Azerbaijan a veto power on the clarification of Karabakh status.

Regarding Ilham Aliyev's claims that behind curtains he was under pressure to accept Karabakh independence. That statement raised a huge furor in Armenia at the time. The propaganda presented it as a big diplomatic victory. But nobody asked why there were such negotiations, and why it was left for Azerbaijan to decide the fate of Karabakh's status.

Today the opposition hopes that nobody knows how to read. After I said that Serj was negotiating a phased resolution, he published a document to "prove" it was a package resolution. It was a phased resolution. Had Serj signed that document, it would not have resolved the Karabakh conflict. There were many uncertainties. Many things would still need to be agreed upon with Azerbaijan, such as the terms and timelines around a referendum.

Today they accuse us of "bringing war". No, we did not bring the war, you announced the war and left. The only way to avoid war in 2020 was to accept Azerbaijan's unacceptable demands. Today we do everything possible to ensure the security and rights of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh. Peace is crucial. We will not divert from this path regardless of accusations and insults. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084208.html) [video](https://youtu.be/SGZQogkw8dw)

Tags: #negotiations #Karabakh

journalist Tatul Hakobyan about the history of Karabakh negotiations:

The bar for Karabakh's status has been lowered. It was first lowered in 1998 when Vazgen, Kocharyan, and Serj organized a military coup. At the time they were still enjoying the victory of the first war. Yerevan agreed to the "Common State" deal, which envisaged a union between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, within Azerbaijan's internationally recognized borders.

When Azeris rejected that, Armenian diplomats lowered the status bar once again. At the time they circulated the "Lower than independence, higher than autonomy" principle, "De facto independent, de jure not part of Azerbaijan", and other similar formulations.

After the recent May 22 Brussels meeting, the EU published a message, presumably coordinated with the Armenian and Azeri sides, which indicates that at this stage Armenia is not negotiating a status for Karabakh. The statement also uses the term "The ethnic population of Karabakh". It doesn't use the term "Nagorno Karabakh".

Armenia's goal is for a peace treaty not to state that Artsakh is part of Azerbaijan. This is the best Armenia can achieve.

Now the government of Artsakh should raise its voice. They were left out of the negotiation process under Robert Kocharyan and successors, depriving them of the opportunity to decide their own fate. Artsakh must attempt to hold direct talks with Azerbaijan. //

[article](https://www.aliqmedia.am/2022/05/24/65169/)

Gen. Samvel Babayan about Charles Michel's statement that used the term "Armenians of Karabakh" instead of "Nagorno Karabakh":

1) Artsakh's security guarantor has been Russia since 2020. Russia's mediation is necessary to resolve the conflict.

2) Only the OSCE MG has the mandate to achieve a peaceful resolution. Since Armenia represents Artsakh during negotiations, the Armenian government must coordinate the process with Artsakh, and hold negotiations only under OSCE format or AM-RU-AZ format.

3) EU wants Azeri gas to reduce reliance on Russia, so they cannot be fair towards Armenia. This is why Charles Michel does not use the term "Nagorno Karabakh". The Armenian government should not accept this.

4) There can be a final resolution only if Azerbaijan establishes normal relations with the Artsakh government. Azerbaijan must end the attempts to use international institutes to arrest Artsakh leaders and end the crimes against humanity, and other acts of aggression. //

In other news. Moscow has accused Brussels of playing geopolitical games and sticking its nose in the AM-RU-AZ negotiation process. "You can help us if you want to." Russian MFA said Russia is already assisting AM and AZ to unblock roads, demarcate borders, establish civil society ties, and develop a peace agenda.

[article](https://factor.am/515028.html) [article](https://factor.am/515368.html)

Pashinyan has reaffirmed that no one can sign a document behind people's back: Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan

Harutyunyan: Charles Michel's post-meeting statement, in which he used the term "ethnic Armenian population of Karabakh", is unacceptable. After the Brussels meeting, I met Pashinyan and he reaffirmed that no one can and no one is preparing to sign documents secretly. If there are specific proposals, they will be discussed with us first. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084218.html)

Pashinyan about the statement made by EU's Charles Michel after the Brussels meeting

QP MP Yeghoyan: There has been speculated that the statement by EU's Michel meant that Artsakh's status has been left out of the agenda and that the EU also does not envisage a separate status for Artsakh.

Pashinyan: After the trilateral meeting, Armenia and Azerbaijan were not able to agree on a joint public statement, so EU's Michel decided to write his own statement that would include certain elements representing both sides' stances. Whether it accurately reflects our stance is another question.

Serious discussions were held around the Karabakh conflict in Brussels. It highlighted the different positions adopted by Armenia and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan claims the conflict is resolved, why we say the status is yet to be decided. I insisted for the Armenian population's rights and security be mentioned in the statement. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084201.html)

there is progress on the negotiation table in several directions: Foreign Minister Mirzoyan

Mirzoyan: 1) Border demarcation process has seen some progress. The commission held the first meeting yesterday on the border. The next meeting will take place in Moscow.

2) Communication unblocking. We agree on certain principles. As we've stated before, the countries will maintain sovereignty over the roads. Last year Azerbaijan was trying to promote the "Zangezur corridor" idea. Today it appears we have an understanding that this is not how it will work.

3) Peace treaty. Right now we are negotiating to launch the negotiations. The sides are trying to understand the parameters, the structure of negotiations, the format, etc. The two sides and the mediators have their position. They don't always match, this is what the negotiations are for.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084216.html)

Artsvashen is de jure part of Armenia: Pashinyan

Pashinyan: So far we have been unable to find any de jure Azeri enclave within Armenia. As we've stated in the past, we must use legal documents only. Artsvashen is de jure part of Armenia. My advice to people and media is not to further dramatize topics like this. //

[video](https://youtu.be/kAu7CJsT86A?t=375)

Pashinyan about the return of remaining POWs:

The most effective way is to use international pressure to return the POWs. We've made efforts to resolve this issue. This was one of the main topics discussed in Brussels. Azerbaijan is constantly setting conditions for their return which is not in line with prior agreements. Humanitarian issues should not be tied to political issues.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084191.html)

Azerbaijan will return an Armenian soldier who accidentally crossed the border in April

Edward Martirosyan will return home this week, announced Azeri officials.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084202.html)

ARF-led anti-Pashinyan protests resumed in the morning

Today they encircled the president's office, after doing the same with the foreign ministry building yesterday.

HHK MP Mamijanyan: We are holding peaceful civil disobedience. We told the participants not to enter the building even if they open the door.

ARF MPs: Our goal is to block the building so no one can enter it. Every day a different state building will be encircled in this manner to show that people are in charge of the situation. We will lift the encirclement now because we have achieved what we wanted - there is no one in the building. //

Around 2,000 protesters gathered near the Sasuntsi Davit statue to continue the protests.

The video of the day.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084126.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084135.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237637) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237658)

Pashinyan about opposition's street protests:

MP: It's been a month. They haven't garnered enough public support.

Pashinyan: They had a month to convey their message. The political significance of these protests has been exhausted. This is now a logistics problem. The main purpose of protests now is to cause movement inconveniences to residents. It's not against the government, it's against the public. They have adopted a message: if you don't join us, then enjoy traffic jams.

If you remember, [Robert Kocharyan?] once suggested the slogan "we will wear them out". Unable to accomplish that, the opposition is now doing that to themselves. Don't interrupt them. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084198.html) [video](https://youtu.be/7P-8PAmmyYE)

parliamentary committee to investigate All Armenia Fund expenditures has found no record of plunder in its 6 months of existence: ruling MP

Parliament held a session today. Only ruling party MPs were present to discuss a series of bills.

QP MP Papoyan: The opposition is not doing its job. They don't attend committee sessions to expose the Himnadram "plunder" they've been talking about. Not a single instance of theft has been recorded. This is an important committee, but we aren't receiving answers to important questions because the initiators of this committee aren't attending sessions. They attacked Himnadram's reputation in front of Armenia and the Diaspora. //

The opposition suggested legal amendments to allow the committee to operate longer than 6 months. MP Papoyan said the resolution hasn't been discussed because the initiators were "no-show".

The ruling party now wants to pass a bill to set a parliamentary committee's [not just Himnadram committee] default length to 1 year instead of 6 months. Not everyone supports it. "If a committee is inefficient, even a year cannot save it."

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084140.html) [video](https://youtu.be/9IOTYdOb1KI) [video](https://youtu.be/O1LlPV1zwjQ) [article](https://factor.am/515098.html) [video](https://youtu.be/ZhZfe7DkEYg)

bill approved: gambling transactions must be electronic, as part of efforts to combat addiction

Read [April 5 news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tx5ygt/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_tuesday/) for details about the steps the government is taking to combat addition.

Parliament voted 67-0 to approve a bill that bans cash transactions for gambling. The gambler will have to use a bank account that leaves a trace for his family members to see where the money is going, and for other reasons. If the gambler wins money, it must be transferred to the account(s) where the gambling resources came from.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084141.html)

bill approved: state agencies will also be able to revoke a reporter's accreditation upon repeated offences, after an incident in which a reporter allegedly threatened an MP and used slurs

Parliament voted 64-0 to approve QP MPs' bill.

MPs: The bill will close a loophole in the law about mass media. It will allow the state agency, where the ethics violation occurred, to revoke the reporter's accreditation after the second warning. Today it cannot be done once the reporter gets the accreditation, so no matter how unethical their conduct is, they cannot be revoked.

The current law already envisages a revocation process but there is a conflict because the revocation process relies on the media outlet itself to initiate the revocation. There have been instances when we asked media outlets to take action after a repeated offense, but nothing was done.

Hraparak outlet reporter Vahe Makaryan recently made threats and used insults against QP MP Vahagn Aleksanyan. It was impossible to revoke his accreditation without Hraparak initiating the process. They won't do it.

If the outlet finds the revocation unjustified, it can use legal means to challenge it. They can always send another reporter. //

Press unions: We oppose this law. It's against open media. The state should not decide the reporter's accreditation. It should be up to the media agency. //

MP: The reporters will be required to follow the rules that exist in the agency. If two violations are made within a span of a year, the reporter's -- but not the media outlet's -- accreditation can be revoked. This law will help increase the media's reputation and form a more positive opinion of the journalist's profession. //

Q: If the reporter intentionally twists an MP's statement, is that enough to get revoked?

MP: No. That would be inappropriate. This is about certain types of ethical conduct, entering unauthorized areas, etc.

[article](https://factor.am/515231.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234872) [article](https://factor.am/500131.html) [article](https://factor.am/511899.html) [video](https://youtu.be/LzWMsgCsHZ8) [article](https://factor.am/514472.html) [video](https://youtu.be/lV9wq_v8cMU)

Armenia has joined the fight against climate change

Last year the government approved a national climate strategy based on Paris Agreement and other conventions. It set goals for 2021-2030. One of them is a 40% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to 1990, increasing renewable energy share in the production, more forests, etc.

Today Deputy Premier Matevosyan hosted David Moran, the ambassador representing UN Climate Chance Conference (COP26), and the British ambassador.

Matevosyan presented the steps taken by Armenia to combat climate change and discussed the development of green energy in Armenia. The goal is to bring the share of solar energy to 15% by 2030.

Matevosyan: This includes transition to electric vehicles and promotion of a green and sustainable lifestyle.

David Moran: We appreciate Armenia's efforts within the climate change convention and Paris Agreement. Armenia's Interagency Coordination Council, with its format and inclusivity, is one of the best examples. //

The Council held a session to discuss climate education in Armenia, the implementation of the Paris Agreement, etc.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084151.html)

Armenia's economic activity index grew 9.4% in the first four months of 2022, compared to the same period last year

Industrial production +3%

Construction +9%

Trade turnover +8%

External trade +34%

Exports +25%

Import +39%

Services +23%

Electricity production volume +14%

Consumer Price Index +7.4%

Economy Minister about the economic growth:

It went from 6.7% in March to 8.8% in April. It would have been higher without traffic jams at the Upper Lars border checkpoint between Georgia and Russia. We are working to find a solution. We held a productive conversation with Russian colleagues today. // [they probably want Armenian trucks to get a "fast lane", something related to EAEU]

QP MP: 9.4% is impressive, especially under the context of the Ukraine conflict. What steps are you taking to maintain the growth?

Pashinyan: In the January-March period we had real growth of 8.6%. This goes to show Armenia's economic resilience. And in April, we saw a record number of employees - 120K more than in 2018. Despite the global crisis, we still aim for a 7% economic growth this year. It will require a lot of effort. Hopefully, the peace agenda will create favorable economic conditions.

QP MP: So why is the economy showing resilience despite the struggles?

Pashinyan: One of the reasons is that the system is not corrupt. The funds aren't being siphoned from the economy towards private drawers and offshore accounts. This is an important factor. Today the business knows that its competitor is another business, in a competitive legal environment. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084157.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084205.html)

anti-corruption: authorities press corruption charges against urban development and fire inspection agent

Authorities report: tech and fire inspector in Lori regularly took bribes from transport company representatives and drivers. $40/mo from each driver to ignore the violation of rules. Several participants have been charged with crimes. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084199.html)

NSS arrested a soldier accused of spying for Azerbaijan for $200

NSS reports: D.Gh. possessed information about the coordinates, equipment, number of soldiers, and other details about the organization of border protection on one of the frontlines.

In January he met foreign intel agents on Facebook and agreed to be recruited by them. From January to March, he committed treason by sending secret information via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. He received $200 in his bank account. D.Gh. has confessed after the arrest. //

[video and article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084128.html)

Day-3: Armenia is hosting the European Boxing Championship

75kg Vakhtang Harutyunyan played his second game and lost.

86kg Rafael Harutyunyan won.

60kg Karen Tonkanyan will play his first.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084125.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084182.html)

new hospital is under construction in Martuni (Gegharkunik)

The Governor visited the construction site to check the progress. The center will have modern equipment and 55 beds, without counting the hemodialysis section.

The ֏2.232 billion construction began in 2020 as part of a joint project by the World Bank and the Healthcare Ministry. It's expected to finish this year.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084187.html)

EU embassy donates x-ray scanner and oxygen devices to Goris Hospital

EU ambassador Wiktorin visited Syunik today. The donation is part of wider efforts to combat COVID. Ambassadors of various EU states were also part of the trip. They visited a vaccination site in Goris and met local seniors.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084161.html)

Armenia and UK sign a memorandum of cooperation in the education field

British Council: We build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. //

The head of the British Council Scott McDonalds hosted Education Minister Dumanyan's delegation on Wednesday. They discussed efforts to teach English in Armenia, and strengthen cultural ties.

They agreed to launch a program to retrain thousands of teachers. English teachers in Armenia will have access to more online tools.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084169.html)

President Khachaturyan's Davos visit continues

Today he gave a speech and met officials from Singapore, Croatia, Serbia, and various organizations. He invited Serbian president Vučić to visit Armenia, and received a similar invitation.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084190.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084200.html)

opening ceremony of the 3rd [International Sculpture Symposium](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054330529050) took place in Aparan

Dozens of participants were invited, including from diaspora and ethnic minority communities of Armenia. The goal is to combine the cultures in one platform called Sculpture Park.

[photo and article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084186.html)

we have noticed that music-loving Armenian society shows a special attitude to the Argentine tango: Ambassador of Argentina out of the blue

Ambassador Vergara: The relations between Armenia and Argentina are at a high level. The fact that there is an embassy in Armenia is also conditioned by the large Armenian community in Argentina.

This is also the reason why a concert will be held in Yerevan on May 27 on the occasion of the Argentine National Day, which is celebrated on May 25.

I'm impressed with Armenian culture and music. We have noticed that the music-loving Armenian society shows a special attitude towards Argentine tango, particularly they like the work of Astor Piazzolla. It would be better if a bandoneonist came to Armenia for concerts. I'd like to see a school of Argentine tango with professional dancers. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084170.html)

today in history

1857: Armenian actress Merope Kantarjian, best known as Siranoush, is born in Constantinople.

1910: Armenian writer Khachik Dashtents is born.

1968: A monument dedicated to the Sardarapat battle opens in Armenia.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084116.html) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siranush)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uxpxc7/may252022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/